Songwriter & Country Music Hall Of Famer Don Schlitz Has Died
Heartbreaking news emerged out of Nashville today (April 17th), as it’s been confirmed that country music songwriter Don Schlitz has died.
Music Row reports that 73-year-old Schlitz passed away on Thursday, April 16th. He died at a Nashville-area hospital following a sudden illness.
Schlitz’s survivors include his wife, Stacey; daughter Cory Dixon and her husband Matt; son Pete and his wife Christian; grandchildren Roman, Gia, Isla, and Lilah; brother Brad; and sister Kathy.
Recalling Don Schlitz’s Illustrious Career
Don Schlitz was one of country music’s most beloved and prolific songwriters. He’s perhaps best known as the sole songwriter behind “The Gambler,” which Kenny Rogers turned into an iconic hit in 1978.
Other songs penned by Schlitz include “When You Say Nothing at All” (Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss), “40 Hour Week (For a Livin’)” (Alabama), and “Cheatin’” (Sara Evans).
Schlitz frequently worked with Randy Travis and ended up writing some of his greatest hits. Those songs include “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Deeper Than the Holler,” and “On the Other Hand.”
25 of Schlitz’s songs topped the country charts. He also earned three CMA Song of the Year awards and two Grammys.
Additionally, Schlitz wrote the theme song for President George H. W. Bush’s “Points of Light” program. The song, fittingly titled “Point of Light,” was released by Randy Travis in 1991 and became a Top 10 country hit.
Schlitz was a member of four Halls of Fame, including the Country Music Hall of Fame, which he was inducted into in 2017. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2022.
Music Row reports that the Opry’s April 18th show will be dedicated to Schlitz. Details concerning funeral or memorial arrangements are yet to be announced.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Don Schlitz. May he rest in peace…
Celebrate his legacy by watching him sing “The Gambler” in the video below
